Allison's Journey

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Joseph grunted. “So you’re saying I shouldn’t marry Katie because I made one mistake when I bought a spirited horse?”

  “I’m not saying that at all. I just think you need to wait a few years before you settle down to marriage and raising a family.” Papa sighed. “If you really want to work at the harness shop, I’ll have Aaron train you in his spare time, but that doesn’t mean you have my blessing to marry Katie right now.”

  “Just forget it.” Joseph kicked at the stones beneath his feet. “I’ll find a job somewhere else.”

  Papa put his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “I didn’t say you couldn’t come to work for me. If you really want to work in the harness shop, then I’d like to have you here.” He smiled. “Maybe someday, after I retire, you and Aaron can run the shop together.”

  Joseph compressed his lips as he mulled things over. If I learn the harness business and prove that I’m hard-working and reliable, maybe Papa will change his mind about me marrying Katie. “I’ll think things over and let you know.” He hurried away before Papa could say anything more.

  As Aaron walked past the front window of the harness shop, he spotted Paul talking with Joseph. His brother appeared to be quite upset. So did Paul, for that matter. Surely they couldn’t have had a disagreement. Joseph and Paul had always gotten along so well. For many years, Aaron had struggled with jealousy toward his brother because of his and Paul’s special relationship. Easygoing, happy-go-lucky Joseph had stuck to Paul like sticky tape when he’d first come to work for Mom in the harness shop. Aaron could still remember the irritation he’d felt every time he’d seen Joseph sitting beside Paul, looking up at him with adoration. And Paul had seemed equally mesmerized with Joseph. Zachary and Davey, too, for that matter. It was as if Paul had taken their father’s place right from the start. Back then, Aaron had thought Paul was buttering Joseph and Zachary up just so he could get close to Mom. He figured Paul was trying to worm his way into her heart so he could get his hands on the harness shop. But later, when Paul had taken more of an interest in Aaron and shown that he really loved Mom, Aaron had decided that Paul wasn’t after the harness shop at all.

  “I brought our lunches,” Paul said when he stepped into the shop a few minutes later.

  “Danki.” Aaron took his lunch pail from Paul and placed it on the nearest workbench. “I saw you talking to Joseph outside. Is everything okay?”

  Paul shrugged. “Jah, sure. Why do you ask?”

  “Both of you looked kind of upset, and I wondered what was going on.”

  “Joseph asked if I might consider hiring him to work here in the harness shop.”

  Aaron’s mouth dropped open, and his heart raced. Did Joseph want his job? Was he hoping to get his hands on the harness shop after Paul retired?

  “You look surprised.”

  “I am. I mean, Joseph’s never shown much interest in the shop before. He’s usually avoided coming in here because he doesn’t care for all the strong odors.”

  “I know, but some things change. People change.” Paul thumped Aaron on the back. “We’ve got a lot of work right now. I think we should give your brother a chance, and I told him you’d be the one to train him.”

  Aaron’s face heated up. “Me? Why me?”

  “Because he’s your brother, and I know you’ll do a good job teaching him what he needs to know.”

  Aaron was getting prepared to argue the point, but the telephone rang.

  “I’d better see who that is.” Paul hurried over to his desk and picked up the phone.

  Aaron slumped against the workbench. He had no appetite for lunch now. And he definitely did not want to train his brother to work in the harness shop!

  Chapter 24

  Allison awoke with a feeling of anticipation. Uncle Ben’s barn raising was today, and Aaron would be here, along with most of the Amish men in their community. It would be a long day, and the men would be arriving soon, so she needed to hurry and get downstairs to help Aunt Mary and Sarah in the kitchen. Several women would be coming with their husbands, so they would have plenty of help throughout the day.

  Allison headed down the stairs and met her aunt in the hallway. “Guder mariye,” Aunt Mary said. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Jah. And you?”

  “I slept fine, except I’m wishing I had gone to bed earlier last night. I’ll need a lot of energy to get through this day.”

  “I’ll help wherever I’m needed.”

  “I know you will.” Aunt Mary squeezed Allison’s arm. “You’ve been a big help since you came here, and I’ll be real pleased if your daed says you can stay longer.”

  Allison smiled. “Me, too.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot—when I was in Seymour at the chiropractor’s yesterday, I was telling the doctor’s receptionist about your faceless dolls. She has a friend who works at a gift shop in Branson, and she’s interested in selling some of your dolls in her shop.”

  “That would be wunderbaar.” A sense of excitement welled in Allison’s soul. She had never been excited about much of anything when she was at home. Maybe that was because every time she showed the least bit of enthusiasm, Aunt Catherine threw cold water on it. “I’ve got several dolls made up, so maybe I could run them by the chiropractor’s office on Monday morning.”

  “I might go with you,” Aunt Mary said as they entered the kitchen. “Then I can see if the doctor has time to work on my back. After today, I’ll probably need another adjustment.”

  “If you’re hurting, why don’t you rest awhile and let me take over? I’m sure there will be plenty of other women here to help, too.”

  Aunt Mary shook her head. “I wouldn’t dream of putting all the responsibility on your shoulders. I’ll be fine as long as I don’t lift anything heavy.”

  “We’ll just have to see that you don’t.” Allison gave Aunt Mary a hug, grabbed her choring apron from the wall peg by the back door, and hurried to the refrigerator. There was so much to be thankful for, and she was eager to begin the day.

  “How come you two are wearin’ such scowls on your faces? Is it because you’re not anxious to spend the day workin’ up a sweat?” Zachary asked, glancing first at Aaron and then Joseph as they headed for the Kings’ place in Aaron’s buggy.

  “I’m not wearing a scowl,” Joseph mumbled.

  Zachary nudged Joseph with his bony elbow. “I would think you’d be wearin’ a smug expression today.”

  “Why’s that?” Joseph asked.

  “ ’Cause your aldi will be there, and I’ll bet you can’t wait to see her.” He snickered. “The same goes for you, Aaron. I’ll bet you’re in lieb with Allison, huh?”

  “Knock it off, or we’ll put you in the backseat,” Aaron warned. He was in no mood for his little brother’s teasing.

  Zachary’s forehead wrinkled. “Maybe I should have ridden with Papa and Davey.”

  “That might have been for the best.” Joseph bumped Zachary’s shoulder. “At least they’d be the ones putting up with you now, and Aaron and I would be riding in peace and quiet.”

  Zachary’s right; I am in love, Aaron thought as he snapped the reins to get the horse moving faster. But I’m not about to admit that to my little brother. I haven’t even told Gabe yet how deeply I’ve come to care for Allison.

  Aaron thought about his best friend, who would soon become a father. At one time, the idea of having children had scared Aaron to death. Not anymore. Now that he and Allison had worked things out, he was hopeful they might have a future together. If they ever decided to get married, he hoped Allison would be willing to live in Missouri. He had no desire to move, especially not to an area where there were so many tourists. Of course, with Joseph working at the harness shop, Aaron needed to accept the fact that Paul might give the place over to Joseph instead of him. If that happened, Aaron might need to move away so he wouldn’t have to watch the shop that was supposed to be his be run by someone else.

  “I’m glad we’re finally here,” Joseph s
aid as they pulled onto the Kings’ property. “You want me and Zachary to help you with the horse, or should the two of us start working on the barn?”

  “I can manage on my own,” Aaron replied. “I’ll join you as soon as I get the horse situated in the corral.”

  “Okay.” Joseph jumped down, and Zachary did the same. As soon as they had moved away, Aaron drove his rig to the area where several other buggies were parked. He’d just gotten the horse unhitched when Gabe showed up.

  “Are you all set for a good day’s work?” Gabe asked with a smile.

  “Sure. How about you?”

  “Jah. I’m happy whenever I’m building anything.”

  “I’m sure that’s true. You’ve enjoyed working with wood ever since we were boys.”

  “I can probably get started on Rufus’s dog run some evening next week,” Gabe said. “Would that work okay for you?”

  “Whenever you have the time.”

  “You look kind of down in the dumps today,” Gabe commented. “Is there anything going on I should know about?”

  Aaron grunted. “Is there anything you don’t already know?”

  Gabe slapped him playfully on the back. “Are you sayin’ I’m nosy?”

  “I’m not saying that at all. You just seem to have a way of knowing what’s going on around our community.”

  Gabe chuckled. “Guess that’s because so many of my customers like to share the local news.”

  “Jah, well, you need to be careful you don’t blab everything you hear. Some folks don’t like others knowing their business.”

  “Like you? Is that what you’re saying?”

  Aaron shrugged and led his horse into the corral.

  “Are you going to tell me what’s put such a sour look on your face this morning or not?”

  Aaron closed the corral gate and turned to face his friend. “If you must know, my brother is coming to work in the harness shop.”

  Gabe’s eyebrows lifted. “Which brother?”

  “Joseph.”

  “But I thought he already had a job working at Hank Osborn’s Christmas tree farm.”

  “He does, but it’s only part-time, and he asked Paul about working in the harness shop so he’d have steady work.” Aaron grimaced. “Paul said yes, and the worst part is, he wants me to train Joseph.”

  “So that’s what’s got you looking so down-in-the-mouth?”

  “Right. If Joseph learns the harness trade, then he might be looking to own it some day.”

  Gabe’s forehead wrinkled. “But it’s been promised to you. Am I right about that?”

  “That’s true, but things can change.” Aaron grunted. “Joseph and Paul have always been very close. I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul doesn’t decide to give the shop to Joseph instead of me.”

  Gabe shook his head. “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

  “If it does, I’ll probably move away.”

  “Where would you go?”

  Aaron shrugged. “Maybe to Pennsylvania. There are plenty of harness shops there, so I’m sure I’d be able to find a job.”

  A slow smile spread over Gabe’s face. “Does Allison Troyer have anything to do with the reason you would choose Pennsylvania?”

  Aaron shrugged. “Maybe.”

  “I knew it! You’re in love with her, aren’t you?” Gabe thumped Aaron on the back. “By this time next year, you could be an old married man.”

  “We’ll have to see how it goes.” Aaron glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Allison, but she was nowhere in sight. He figured she was probably inside with the women fixing snacks or getting the noon meal going. Maybe they could spend a few minutes together after lunch. If not, he would make a point to speak to her before he went home.

  Gabe motioned to the group of men wielding hammers and saws. “I suppose we’ve gabbed long enough, so let’s get to work!”

  “Why don’t you and I serve that table over there?” Allison suggested to Katie as she motioned to the wooden plank set on two sawhorses where Aaron and Joseph sat with several other young men.

  “That’s fine with me,” Katie said.

  When Allison set the plate in front of Aaron, he leaned over and whispered, “It’s good to see you. Have you been working hard all morning?”

  “Not nearly as hard as you. It’s awful hot today. Have you been getting enough to drink?”

  He nodded. “Sarah and Bessie have brought water to the crew several times this morning.”

  “Are you gonna pass those sandwiches over, or did ya plan to spend your lunch hour gabbin’?” Zachary, who sat across from Aaron, held out his hand. “I’m starvin’ to death here.”

  Aaron grabbed a ham sandwich, plunked it on his paper plate, and handed the platter to the next man in line. “Maybe there won’t be any sandwiches left by the time they get around to you, little bruder.”

  “Don’t pay him any mind, Zachary,” Allison put in. “There’s plenty more sandwiches in the kitchen.” She enjoyed this bantering between Aaron and his younger brother. It reminded her of all the times she and Peter had teased each other. Of course, whenever Aunt Catherine had caught them fooling around, they’d always been reprimanded.

  Allison moved back to the serving table to get a bag of potato chips. When she returned, she was surprised to see that Aaron wasn’t in his seat. Surely he couldn’t have finished eating already. He hadn’t even had dessert.

  “Psst. . .Allison—over here.”

  When Allison turned, she saw Aaron crouched in the flower bed near the back porch. “What are you doing down there?”

  “I spotted this and wondered if it was yours.” He held a tiny white kapp between his thumb and index finger.

  Allison squinted. It looked like one of the head coverings she had made for her faceless dolls. But how would it have gotten in the flower bed? “Let me have a look at that.” She took the tiny hat from Aaron and studied the stitching. It had obviously been done by hand, not on the treadle machine. She knew immediately whose it was. “This isn’t one I made. It belongs on the little doll my mamm sewed for me before she died.” She slowly shook her head. “I don’t understand how it got out of my room and ended up in the flower bed, though. I always keep the doll at the foot of my bed.”

  Aaron stood. “Maybe one of the kinner who came with their folks today wandered into your room and discovered the doll.”

  “I guess I should go inside and take a look.” Allison started to turn around, but Aaron touched her arm.

  “Uh. . .before you go, I was wondering if we could plan another day of fishing soon. Maybe we could invite an old married couple along as chaperones.”

  “You mean Gabe and Melinda?”

  “Jah. We had fun with them the last time, don’t you think?”

  “Except for our little dunking in the pond,” she said with a grin.

  He chuckled. “We’ll try not to let that happen again.”

  “When did you want to go?”

  “Well, I was thinking—”

  “Hey, Allison, the mail just came and there’s a letter for you,” her cousin Dan interrupted. He held the envelope out to her.

  Allison took the letter. “Danki, Dan.”

  He stood there, as though waiting for something. “Well, aren’t ya gonna open it? It could be important, ya know.”

  Allison glanced at the envelope. The return address was Papa’s. Maybe this was the letter she had been hoping for.

  She took a seat on the porch steps and was about to rip it open when Aaron said, “Guess I’ll let you read your letter in private.” He glanced at the picnic tables. “And I’d better get back to the table before all the food’s gone.”

  “Oh, okay. I’ll talk to you later then.”

  Aaron smiled and walked away.

  Allison glanced at her young cousin. “Shouldn’t you be eating your lunch, too?”

  “I’m done.”

  “Then haven’t you got something else to do?”

  Dan sh
rugged his shoulders. “If I go back to the table, Papa will see me. Then he’ll expect me to haul more nails and stuff to the men.” He wrinkled his nose. “Why can’t they see that I’m capable of doin’ some real work for a change?”

  “I’m sure they appreciate any help you can give them.” Anxious to read Papa’s letter, Allison decided the only way she was going to have any privacy was to go upstairs. “I’ve got to run up to my room a minute, Dan. Why don’t you ask Aaron or Joseph if there’s something you can do to help them this afternoon?”

  Dan’s lips curved into a smile. “That’s a good idea. I think Aaron likes me, so he might let me help him pound nails.” He turned and darted away.

  Allison hurried into the house and rushed upstairs to her room. As she took a seat on her bed, she realized that her faceless doll was missing. Aaron was probably right—one of the children here today had most likely come into her room, spotted the doll, and taken it somewhere to play.

  She placed the little kapp on the table beside her bed and ripped open the letter from Papa:

  Dear Allison,

  I haven’t mentioned this before, but your aunt Catherine has been having pains in her stomach for some time. Thanks to Sally’s mom, she finally agreed to see the doctor. At first, the doctor thought the pain she was having was from an irritable bowel. But then he ran some tests, and a few weeks ago we got the results. There’s no easy way to say this, but my sister has colon cancer, and the doctor says it’s spreading quickly.

  Allison clapped her hands over her mouth. Muffled words came out from between her splayed fingers. “Aunt Catherine is sick with cancer? No, it can’t be.”

  She sat for several seconds, trying to digest what she had read. Aunt Catherine had always been a healthy woman. Even when Allison and the rest of the family had come down with a cold or the flu, Aunt Catherine had remained unaffected by the bug. Allison used to think her aunt was too mean to get sick.

  Needing to know more, she turned her attention back to the letter:

  I received your letter asking if you could stay in Webster County longer than planned. I’d fully intended to tell you to stay as long as you like, but now things have changed. You see, Aunt Catherine has refused to have surgery or undergo any kind of treatment. She asked me not to tell you about her illness and insisted that I not ask you to come home. At first I agreed to her request, but she’s getting weaker every day and suffers with more pain. This morning she couldn’t get out of bed because of the pain. Peter and I are fending for ourselves, but I’m hoping you will set your plans aside and come home as soon as possible.